Manslaughter sentencing postponed for baby funeral

THE SENTENCING of a man who admitted to killing his daughter was postponed after coinciding with her funeral.

Tyler Vallance, who is formerly from Bromsgrove but is currently remanded in custody, did not appear at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday (July 24) because it was the same date as his baby girl's funeral.

The 21-year-old previously admitted to the manslaughter of 12-week-old Isabella Vallance on the first day of trial.

Vallance and the baby's mother Jessica Wiggins, who is believed to be living in Redditch, were arrested on December 9 last year after their daughter received injuries at a Redditch home.

She was admitted to the Alexandra Hospital on December 7 and was then transferred to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital on December 12 where she later died.

Jurors failed to reach a verdict on whether Wiggins caused or allowed the death of the baby and she is to be re-tired on November 4.

The Hon Mrs Justice Cox said the court was unaware the sentencing was the same day as the funeral because of miscommunication and the message was never relayed to those representing Vallance.

She said: "His family wish to attend the funeral and also be present at the court when their son is sentenced."

She added Vallance would be sentenced following the outcome of Wiggins' ten-day trial.